GUAM NIKKEI ASSOCIATION

GNA Chairman Frank Shimizu Conferred with Imperial Decoration

Board Chairman Frank S.N. Shimizu Delivers Welcome Remarks

Guam Nikkei Association Board Chairman Frank S.N. Shimizu delivered the welcome remarks during the Guam Nikkei Association's panel discussion on A Borrowed Land, a groundbreaking publication by Peter R. Onedera that documents the experiences of Japanese Issei and Nisei in Guam during World War II. Held on March 29, 2025 at the Central Community Arts Center in Sinajana, the event was a collaboration with NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation as part of its coverage of the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII.

50 Years of Friendship: Japan and Guam

Sunday, 30 December 2018

Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!

Happy New Year! May the year 2019 bring you many blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
Image source: howtolearn.com

メリークリスマス Merīkurisumasu!

メリークリスマス

Merīkurisumasu (Merry Christmas)!

Thursday, 11 October 2018

Seeking Raffle Prizes

Hafa Adai Nikkei family and friends!

Seeking Raffle Prizes

We hope to see you at the Nikkei Appreciation next Friday, October 19 from 4-8 p.m. at the GCC Multi-Purpose Auditorium to raise funds for scholarships. We plan to have a raffle and are asking our friends and family to please assist by bringing a prize. Please contact our Raffle Committee Chair Gloria Duenas Cruz by email gduenascruz@gmail.com or by phone at 689-0765.

Thank you and hope to see you next week!

Wednesday, 10 October 2018

Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program Opportunity

The Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program offers graduates with exciting professional opportunities to work in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers or Coordinators for International Relations. Since 1987, more than 60,000 JET Program participants from over 40 countries have lived and worked in cities, towns and villages throughout Japan.

Interested applicants can visit the JET Program website at http://jetprogramusa.org to review eligibility criteria and application procedures. The application period is open in the fall of each year and selected candidates depart the following spring or summer.

JET Program Roles

There are two positions available:

Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) work in public elementary, middle and high schools supporting Japanese teachers of English. Beyond using their native English ability to improve students’ English fluency, they serve as cultural ambassadors in their local communities. ALTs make up 90% of all JET Program participants. Their duties can include preparing lesson plans, carrying out classroom activities, providing language training for teachers, leading English clubs and summer camps and participating in events at school and in the community

Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) work in local government offices promoting internationalization efforts at the community level. From organizing events to teaching adult education classes, CIRs provide essential services to Japanese and foreign residents alike. CIRs must have a high proficiency of Japanese language fluency. CIR duties can include creating, editing and translating official documents, planning and implementing international exchange programs, interpreting for official guests and assisting with language instruction in the community

A Strong Jet Community: During and After

Being active in their Japanese community is a vital part of the JET Program. Through travel, volunteer and social opportunities, JETs find diverse and fun ways to get involved with their local communities and with other JETs. This enriching experience is an important part of being a cultural ambassador while in Japan.

During their tenure as JETs, the Association of JETs (AJET) hosts social, volunteer and professional development activities throughout the year, and provides online resources to support daily work and life in Japan. Additionally, AJET offers JETs valuable resources for learning the Japanese language. Upon returning home from Japan, JETs can get involved with JET Alumni Associations (JETAA) to help with transitioning to life at home. JETAA groups offer valuable opportunities to network professionally and to preserve their connections to Japan and the JET Program.

Benefits: Direct and Indirect

JET Program participants enjoy a well-rounded remuneration package that includes:

· Airfare to and from Japan

· Orientations before and after arrival

· Enrollment in National Health Insurance

· Minimum ten days of paid vacation

· Starting annual salary of 3.36 million yen

The JET Program provides a true immersion into Japanese culture. Living and working in the country, JETs gain a rich understanding of Japan so far beyond what one gains as a casual visitor. On many levels, JETs leave the program with so much more than they came in with; they leave Japan fundamentally transformed, with a new understanding of themselves and the world.

Sunday, 30 September 2018

Guam Nikkei Appreciation Night III - Oct. 19

Join Us for the Guam Nikkei Association Night III with Soba and Sake Tasting. Funds raised will support student scholarships and educational travel opportunities and international/cultural studies. These opportunities support the primary goal of the GNA and we look forward to seeing you there for some Japanese cuisine prepared by the students of the Guam Community College Culinary Department under the tutelage of Chef Paul.

For more information contact David Okada at dsokada@uguamlive.uog.edu or Monica Guzman at monicaguzman@galaidegroup.com.

Si Yu’os Ma’åse and Domo Arigato Gozaimasu!